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Hairdresser lied after boyfriend’s car crash in Cumbrian village

By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 11:43, Tuesday, 29 May 2012

A hairdresser “foolishly” lied to protect her boyfriend – after he crashed her car while uninsured.

Rachael Hillary, 20, of Hayton, Aspatria, appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court and admitted fraud by false representation, obstructing police and allowing the use of her car by someone who was not insured.

Prosecutor Jane Mackrill told the court that police were called to a crash outside a property in Westnewton, near Aspatria, on October 28 last year.

A Vauxhall Corsa had lost control on a right-hand bend and tumbled 20ft down a steep grass bank, coming to rest against the property.

There was no one in the vehicle when police arrived, but a short time later the owner of the car – Hillary – arrived with her partner.

“She told police she had been driving,” Mrs Mackrill continued, “and was wearing pyjamas and a dressing gown and was uninjured.

“Her partner, Bobby Joe Irving, was wearing normal clothes and had an injury to his head.”

He was checked over by paramedics and the couple then left together.

The court heard that Hillary’s father made a claim to the insurance company on her behalf, and they sent a cheque for several thousand pounds for the car which was a write-off.

She later retracted her statement with police and the insurance company, admitting she was at home when the crash happened.

Geoff Lockerbie, defending, disputed the sending of a cheque by the insurance company – insisting his client had never received one. It had certainly never been cashed.

“I hope you understand the nature of the pressure put on her by her boyfriend of that time,” he continued.

She had been at home with her boyfriend feeling unwell on the night, and he wanted to go and get food. His car had a flat tyre, so he persuaded her to allow him to drive hers.

For the fraud and obstructing police charges, Judge Chalk sentenced Hillary to a six-month community order, including a four-week curfew between 8pm and 6am.

He listened to pleas from Mr Lockerbie to allow her to keep her driving licence – vital in her work as a hairdresser as she travels to do wedding hair – and imposed six penalty points on her licence. Hillary was also given a fine of £100, ordered to pay £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge.